Memorial Day...Remembering Our Soldiers

Since 2007 Pine Needle Quilter's have been by making quilts for our soldiers.  Some have been given to the wounded, homeless, hospice, and the deployed.
This year we have made 47 quilts, with a few more that I know of that will still be coming in.  These quilts will be going to a unit out of Kentucky that is being deployed in July.
Thank you to all who have made quilts through the years, and helped with the parade and display at the Veteran's Memorial Day Service.  Your giving has brought comfort to many, I am sure.
Our total quilts through the years is now at 502!  Your continued support for our soldiers, past and present is just heartwarming.

Members participating in the Mountain Memorial Day Parade

Quilt display at Veteran's Memorial Day Service

Quilt Show reminders and Frond

Northwood's Quilt Guild has their show April 25th-26th, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday 11 am-4pm.  It will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in Marinette WI.  Take US Hwy 41 to the light at the bridge and then turn east to 1200 Main St. in Marinette.  www.northwoodsquilters.blogspot.com

The Pine Tree Quilter of Wausau have their show May 2nd and 3rd.  It's called Quilts Among the Pines, Swing into Spring.  It is located at the UW Marathon Co Field House, 518 S 7th Ave., Wausau, WI.  They have a website with map and times at www.pinetreequilters.org .

Here's a fun place to visit, Frond Design Studios.  Their fabrics are very, very different and inspiring and so are their patterns.  Here are some more patterns and I am just blown away!  Diana

Craftsy Classes

The snow and sleet of today may have us in a depressed state so it's time try out something new.  Have you ever taken classes at Craftsy?  It's a site with all sorts of classes to take online.  You don't have to travel or get out in the cold to take a class and that's so convenient.  Here is a link to a free mini class on making bags.  Here is a link for a Machine Savy class.  There are many free classes available and a huge variety of classes to pay for.  If you're interested in quilting, sewing, knitting or crocheting, jewelry making, etc. they have classes for it.  I have tried out a few of the classes and been very happy with them.

Take a look around their site and enjoy.  Diana

Ultimate List of Quilting Projects

I think you could spend the rest of the winter looking at "With Heart and Hands" list of quilting patterns.  Enjoy!

Diana

Sweet Valentine Post Card

Valentine's Day is drawing near, but there is still plenty of time to stitch up some of these very sweet Valentine's Day cards.  This very detailed tutorial is from Nancy Zieman's blog.
I think this simple paper pieced pattern would be a nice one for a beginner to try!  This very cute heart pattern would make a really pretty mug rug as well.
Get started on little gifts for your loved ones!
Laurie

The Hands Foundation

Last night at our meeting Deb told you that we had delivered 54 quilts to The Hands Foundation in Withie, Wisconsin.  Here you will find a link to their website were you can see what they are all about.  There is a very touching video there of a Marine who is one of the people that dispense the quilts to homeless veteran's in Minneapolis.  You can also check out some of the other projects they are doing.
Laurie

Autumn Inspiration

It is just so beautiful this time of year with all the colored leaves....that are, I am sad to say, falling quickly.  Every fall I say "I'm going to make a Maple Leaf quilt."  Haven't yet, but it's still on my list of things to make!
This morning I ran across a wonderful collection of free patterns for Autumn Leaves Quilts .  Just follow the link to the Quilt Inspiration site, scroll down a bit and click on the pattern title you'd like to view.
Take some time to check out the rest of this very lovely website, as they offer many tutorials, as well as many collections of other free quilt patterns!
Enjoy,
Laurie

Along the Garden Path Photos

Just letting you know that I have put a new feature on the blog.  On the upper right side of this page you will see a photo of our quilt show.  If you click on that photo it should (I hope, I hope) take you to photos of this years quilt show.  Once you get to the photos, you can view them there as a slide show or however you'd like to view them.
Enjoy, so many lovely quilts!
Laurie

Jo-Ann's VIP Discount Program

I know that some of you frequent Jo-Ann Fabrics.  If you haven't already you can sign up for the VIP card they offer, which will entitle you to 10% off all of your purchases.  (regular and sale priced items) 
I just did mine online and received my discount card in the mail today.  The first time you use your card at the store you will need to activate it, and I believe they will need to see your Pine Needle Quilter's membership card and a photo ID at that time.
So, enroll today and start saving!
Laurie

AQS Chattanooga Best of Show

Marilyn Badger's lovely quilt Exuberance was announced as Best of Show winner at the AQS show in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  There is a very interesting video here showing the quilts details, and her inspiration for the quilt.
There are also other videos about the show, as well as a link near the bottom of the page showing all of the other quilt show winners.
Enjoy!
Laurie